M2 May 2018 - LATEST ISSUE!
Choosing the Road to Growth
The last six months have been big for me. I launched my personal high-end insurance brokerage business – Broadbent – and put a firecracker under my existing brokerage – Evergreen Life. The learning curve has been massive but the personal and financial growth has been well worth it. One of the biggest takeaways of the growth […]
Incremental Accumulation
I want to activate your interest in something that is all around you, something that can work for or against you, something that can deliver you unlimited wealth success and happiness. I am talking about “incremental accumulation”, and once you learn about incremental accumulation you will be the master of your world and everything within […]
9 Airlines You Want To Travel First Class On
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. On behalf of M2 and the entire crew on-board this flight, we would like to welcome you for the first class experience we have on offer. At this time, make sure your seats are back and tray tables are in their full upright position and that your […]
Bond – Elements
Jaguar Land Rover has a new mission with James Bond – a three-year partnership at the state-of-the-art interactive experience, 007 ELEMENTS in Sölden, Austria. 007 ELEMENTS offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the iconic secret agent in a new mountain-top location next to the ice Q restaurant used as the […]
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Fighting For Social Change
More than 20 years ago, a young Richie Hardcore entered the ring, about to look his very first opponent in the eye, with one goal – to be the last man standing. It’s hard to imagine what would have been going through his mind as the bell rang to signal the fight to commence. It would also have been impossible for […]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Gentle Art
My first sparring session (or ‘roll’, as its known colloquially) was an education into how vulnerable we are. It’s comparable to being thrown into a pool without knowing how to swim, or trying to control a boa constrictor. I remember being absolutely manhandled. Using pressure and techniques completely foreign to me, I was dissected in […]
Sand, Surf And Success
As a child, Matt-Lewis Hewitt had always been drawn towards sports that required discipline, teamwork and structured routine. Sports like rugby, swimming, surf lifesaving, water polo and, especially, surfing. Starting at 14 years old, it took Hewitt just 18 months before he was competing professionally in surfing. The young prodigy was headed for success, no […]
Peter Burling – Triumph On And Off The Water
Bermuda. June, 2017. The time is 1.31pm exactly. The pale sky is patterned with light grey clouds and seagulls squalling above. You look down at your Omega watch for what feels like the millionth time. There’s a light air about the ocean… an estimated nine-knot wind with the boat ebbing underneath you. You’re standing at […]
Style
Best Of The Watch Fairs – 2018
What with luxury watch brands having slipped back into the mainstream market for watch buyers, the timepiece is still very much alive and well. The big names in the watch business – Switzerland, Italy etc – still produce top-quality timepieces that will stand the test of time. M2 have put together a list of luxury […]
If The Shoe Fits
Start the day on the right foot by making sure your shoe game is on point.
Style Update – May 2018
It’s time to fully embrace all the latest and greatest Autumn style trends. Here’s all the trends and pieces you need to get in on. Vans Vans never seem to fail anyone when they’re looking for fashionable, easy-to-wear shoes. They have the street cred as well. If you were a youngster in the early 80’s, […]
Wild
11 Deadliest Animals on the Planet, And How to Survive Them
The animal kingdom is a strange and wonderful place. From architects to mimes, assassins to philanderers, each animal has its own niche, a role and place. While we regularly encounter cats, dogs, birds and bugs, our chances of seeing dangerous animals are usually limited to visiting the zoo or watching The Discovery Channel. But while […]
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
Behind The Lens: Open Ocean
The thought of delving into the deep and getting face-to-face with some of the world’s biggest and deadliest beasts is not something everyone can face. But it is a different story for underwater videographer and adrenaline junkie, Steve Hathaway. Fascinated about life under the surface, M2 dove straight in when the opportunity arose to talk […]
Surgeons of the Sea
Free Willy vs Jaws… who wins? Hollywood has altered our expectations about how this sort of apex predator duel would go down. Unless you spend more time watching documentaries than old movies on VHS, then the answer isn’t so clear. The biggest great white sharks can measure six metres long, weigh more than 2200 kilograms […]
Snow
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go […]
STEF ZEESTRATEN: HALFPIPE HEDONIST
From one of the flattest countries in the world, to the sharp ascents of the Southern Alps, Dutch-born Stef Zeestraten has, as is his wont, carved a name for himself in New Zealand snowboarding folklore. Throughout his 17-year competitive career that saw him peak at 47th in the world in 2008, Zeestraten has followed the serious […]
The Mazda SKI-ACTIV Experience
I vividly remember the first time I actually put skis on and hit (quite literally) the snow. I was in my late teens and full of bravado; I headed to the top of the chairlift, strapped on two planks of wood and shot down the slope – straight into a tree. The sensation was both […]
Climbing The Podium: Kiwis at the Winter Paralympics
The Winter Games, both Olympic and Paralympic, usually pass with minimal mention down under, but in the case of the compact Kiwi Paralympian team heading to South Korea this March, there’s reason to take notice. For a global event that is heavily dominated by northern hemisphere athletes, New Zealand participants more than hold their own. […]
Leadership
Building An Icon – Sir George Fistonich
Drinks International has for the fourth year in a row named Villa Maria as one of the most admired wine brands in the world and the highest ranking New Zealand winery in this year’s “World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” list. And while Villa Maria has become an icon in the New Zealand wine industry and […]
MARKET LEADER: The driving force behind the real estate evolution
Brendon Skipper’s role as CEO of New Zealand’s No.1 property site, realestate.co.nz, draws on more than 20 years of experience across sales and marketing, property, IT and telecommunications, but he is quick to point out that the CEO role is one that doesn’t come with a manual. Could you describe a standard day for yourself? […]
The Chair: Rob Campbell
Over the last 30 years Rob Campbell is on the board of some of our largest companies across our largest industries. Currently Chair of Summerset Group Holdings (NZ) and WEL Energy, and a director of SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Precinct Properties as well a director of or advisor to a number of hedge and private […]
Richard Branson’s 75 Close Shaves
Unwavering, relentless persistence, those are the words I would use to describe Richard Branson. He’s built a global brand and personal lifestyle, from scratch that fascinates us with its continuous momentum, near misses and massive achievements. How many international entrepreneurs would be working deals and businesses in massive markets like the UK, the USA, Europe, […]
Gadgets
Belkin
When You Want Micro-USB, it’s Best to go With the Indestructible Option I have a cat at home and while we’re away the computer room stays locked up tight so the little bastard can’t go ratting through all my wires. This doesn’t keep other miscellaneous options safe though like my bedside charger. So looking through […]
B & O Play
Audiophiles and tech aficionados rejoice – Bang and Olufsen have revamped their B&O PLAY line, with the introduction of the H9i and H8i. Beoplay H9i B&O’s top of the range over-ear headphones now flaunt a slimmer ear cushion and a change in materials and design. Sporting a lightweight aluminium frame covered in cowhide leather, the […]
What Can CES 2018 Tell Us About The Future
Each year almost 200,000 journalists, investors and fans flood into Vegas, but not for slot machines or wacky bachelor parties; they’re there to see the latest in consumer technology at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Blockchain More than 4000 companies are spread across 2.5 million net square feet of exhibition space, across 11 official venues. […]
The Huawei Mate 10 Series Jumps into the Superphone era
Huawei is making some bold claims about its new Mate 10 series. Its biggest being the world’s first mobile AI-specific Neural Network Processing Unit, within its Kirin 970 AI mobile chipset. What does that even mean? Let’s find out! The Kirin 970 AI chipset’s specialised NPU, combined with Huawei’s HiAI mobile computing platform, means the Mate […]
Mandate
The New Currency – Who Gives A Bit?
Money talks. Bitcoin talks with private keys. Have I lost you already? Stay with me. Cryptocurrency may seem daunting and overwhelming at first but with 1 Bitcoin equivalent to just over NZD$15,000 (at the time of writing this), it’s a concept well worth knowing about especially when you come to understand the implications and potential […]
The Gemma Observatory
There’s something quite awe-inspiring about stargazing. Looking deep into the speckled abyss of the cosmos is a humbling sensation felt by all since the dawn of humankind. Stargazers both serious and amateur will be left, well, starstruck by the Gemma Observatory – a slick, custom built observatory in that can rotate to give different views […]
Virgin’s Hyperloop One
Sitting in traffic in a state of gridlock is a painful experience. Moving inch-by-inch as talking heads on the radio yabber on while drivers attempt to cheekily cut across lanes, the frustration of being stuck between point A and point B is excruciating. Increasing traffic congestion is a legitimate problem facing major cities around the […]
Taking Off Into The Future
On the 7th of January, SpaceX launched the uncrewed Zuma spacecraft into the stratosphere in accordance with the United States government. With 21 successful launches under their belt, SpaceX’s revolutionary, fully reusable rockets are able to create a safe travel path for future rockets. This impressive development in technology could possibly allow greater developments and […]
Man on the Street
Man On The Street – Henry Beasley
When your life is full of writing, acting, producing AND being the lead singer of a band, you’re bound to have something interesting to say. Henry Beasley takes a few minutes with M2 to discuss life, success and motivation in this edition of Man On The Street: Age: 24 Occupation: Writer, actor, producer and […]
Man On The Street – Jared Smith
If you didn’t need money, what would you do? “I’d still build. I’d build cars, build tree houses, build cool alternative structures. I am not one to be able to do nothing, I always find something to keep my hands busy” – This guy clearly loves his job. Age: 28 Occupation: Owner of Round […]
Man On The Street – Adam Metcalf
Age 27 Occupation: Head Chef at Lula Inn What’s your morning routine? A PT session at Les Mills and then straight into the kitchen for work. What’s the top three things on your bucket list? 1. Nevis Bungy jump 2. Visit Old Trafford 3. Eat at Alinea restaurant in Chicago What advice would you give […]
Man On The Street – Shawn Pope
Age: 46 Occupation: Director of Melba Group What’s your morning routine? Starts with coffee, preferably roasted by Espresso Workshop, it always has! What are the top three things on your bucket list? Spend a white Christmas with my family in the States, travel on the Orient Express (can’t wait to see St Petersburg), windsurf on […]
Design
Destination Du Jour – Plazzo Versace Dubai
Dubai, as we all know, is located in the United Arab Emirates and is renowned for luxury, wealth and total opulence – the perfect location to home one of the fashion industry’s most iconic brand’s hotel: Versace. Iconic and ultra-modern architecture fills the skyline of this bodacious city, as it continues to expand and increase […]
To The Manor Reborn AKA Unearthing Diamonds
The opportunity arose to visit the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, and I seized it with both hands. Not only would it give me the chance to pore over such iconic cars as the E-Type and Land Rover Series 1 , but it also came with the offer of being chauffeur driven there and back in a […]
Star Wars Laser Battle Drone
Propel (the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of radio-controlled devices) has recently released a new toy on the market, launching gaming and high-tech droning into the next galaxy. With The Last Jedi having hit the big screen last month, and more themed merchandise arriving on shelves around the country, Star Wars-mania is well and truly […]
The Boaties Dream – Natural Selection
Have you got a couple $100 million spare change handy? Perhaps you’re an aspiring Bond villain? Or maybe you’ve been implicated in the Panama Papers? Well, you’re in luck – Netherlands-based yacht design company Sinot’s latest concept design, Nature is a vessel ripped straight out of a Putin daydream. It’s called Nature for a reason; […]
Deep Dives
The Modern Day Space Race
The solar system we occupy is a fascinating place, that’s for certain – nine planets that glow as beacons and an uncountable infinity of stars. Beginning in the late 1950s, a race pitted capitalist America against communist Soviet Union to see who was superior with their space technology. The Soviets took the lead by launching […]
Who Is Using Your Data?
Zuckerberg: Yeah so if you ever need info about anyone at Harvard Just ask. I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS [Redacted Friend’s Name]: What? How’d you manage that one? Zuckerberg: People just submitted it. I don’t know why. They “trust me”. Zuckerberg: Dumb f**ks. This was an ironically leaked series of messages between […]
All Hail Our Secret Government
It’s a golden time for lobbyists at the moment. We’ve just had a change in government and that means it’s time for everything to change, come what may. Duh, it has to – as the last guys obviously got every single thing wrong! But there’s a slight problem in that, aside from a couple of […]
The Fight For Gender Diversity – An Ad Man’s POV
So, a high-powered panel of female leaders featuring Theresa Gattung, Justine Smyth, Tracey Cross, Naomi Ballantyne and Linda Meade were at the M2woman Journey to Excellence forum recently. I think it’s fair to say that the gist of their forum was; “we want moregender equality in the workplace! Now, dammit! Now!” Huh? Is this really […]
Cover Stories
COVER STORY – Michael Fassbender
It’s 1979, and a two-year-old Michael Fassbender is moving with his family from Heidelberg in Germany to Ireland. Just across the Irish Sea, principle photography at a London studio had just been finished and the world was being introduced to the horror of Ridley Scott’s Alien, a franchise that would set the bar in sci-fi […]
Double Edged: The Return of Blade Runner
We’re treading on hallowed ground now. We all knew that one day Hollywood’s rummaging hand would light upon a classic like Blade Runner. They’ve already made the right first move by not rebooting everything from scratch. The second move they need to make is far more nuanced. Just a little background for readers who are […]
Eddie Redmayne – The Real Fantastic Beast
I try my best to avoid cliche, but there’s this famous quote that goes, “if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. While normally I would lump that quote in with gems such as “live, laugh, love” and “keep calm and carry on”, I feel like using […]
Charlie Hunnam, Making of A Legend
You’ve likely heard of the legendary King Arthur and the extraction of the enchanted sword, Excalibur, from the stone, but who on earth is Charlie Hunnam? Sons of Anarchy fans will know the English actor as bikie, Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller, and women wish they knew him, as he was one of the original picks for […]
Success
Life is a sales pitch: get where you want to be – faster
I was fortunate enough to head to Vegas for the Connor vs Mayweather fight. It will go down as the best trip of my life. I bought tickets to the fight but the goal for the trip was to meet both the fighters. It was an ambitious goal. But not only did I watch the […]
5 tactics to tackle workplace stress
Running a fast-growing company can be difficult; the buck stops with you and, as well as the ‘big picture’ strategic and leadership work, you’re often dealing with issues and fighting fires. You have to delegate and put your trust in other people and, invariably, some of them let you down, which only adds to the […]
Optimise Work to Make More Time For You
As we celebrate the right to a 40-hour working week this Labour Weekend – a precious three days off! – it’s time to look at how to make the rest of the year work for you. It may not be possible to turn your job into one long weekend, but here are some tips to […]
Impact From Simplicity
In a world of exponential innovation, disruptive technologies and giddy cryptocurrency speculation a discussion about another KiwiSaver fund might seem a little vanilla. But after a few minutes with Simplicity founder, Sam Stubbs even the most finically unfocused would be hard pressed not to find excitement in compounded interest from saved fees, the growth of […]
Amazing Photos
In The Moment
A magical moment can be so fleeting, and we don’t always have the right equipment to capture it. Smartphone technology is developing extremely fast, and Apple has always had a strong focus on enabling us to have an incredible camera just sitting in our back pocket. In celebration of the incredible imagery people have captured […]
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
The Art Of Fakery
Austrian photographer Gregor Sailer is a changer of landscapes, and a tricker of minds. Photographs in his latest series, The Potemkin Village, strike a sense of confusion… but not everything is as it may seem. While growing up in Tyrol, Austria, Gregor Sailer started taking snaps at a young age and has not stopped […]
What Lies Beneath
From growing up in a small town in North Canterbury, to hosting his very own series, picked up by a global documentary giant – National Geographic – Ellis Emmett truly is an inspiration to get out there and get stuck into something you love and turn your ideas and dreams into a reality. We manage […]
Sport
The Monthly Sports Agenda
Motorsport dominates the global sporting landscape in October, with both hemispheres hosting their signature events as their respective seasons heat up: Formula 1 has its busiest month; the WRC finishes off its European window; and three Kiwis are neck and neck for Bathurst and beyond. NBA 2017/18 TIPS OFF It’s all about who can keep up […]
Michael Venus – New Zealand Tennis’ Shinning Star
Uncommon, like the generational flash of a passing comet or a fleeting eclipse, Michael Venus is New Zealand’s latest tennis shining star and in 2017 became the first Kiwi to win a Grand Slam doubles title since 1979. At the tender age of 30, the Auckland-born and bred resident took out the Roland Garros title […]
The Sport Of Kings
Polo is known as the Sport of Kings – a gentleman’s game, a game of skill and endurance, where the players must score points (sort of like football), all whilst riding horseback. First mentioned in literature in Persia about 600 BC, when the tribes domesticated horses and used the sport as a way of training […]
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go […]
Bucket List Experiences
Views From The Top
A beautiful image of a polar bear leaping across a stream of crystal-clear blue water. A gathering of squalling seagulls above a passing boat. A birds-eye view of a basketball game. These are the winning photos of last year’s SkyPixel’s Best Aerial Photos award. Sometimes, a photo is more than just a photo. Sometimes, it […]
9 Airlines You Want To Travel First Class On
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. On behalf of M2 and the entire crew on-board this flight, we would like to welcome you for the first class experience we have on offer. At this time, make sure your seats are back and tray tables are in their full upright position and that your […]
What Lies Beneath
From growing up in a small town in North Canterbury, to hosting his very own series, picked up by a global documentary giant – National Geographic – Ellis Emmett truly is an inspiration to get out there and get stuck into something you love and turn your ideas and dreams into a reality. We manage […]
Reshaping a City
Husband and wife team John and Josephine Love from Love & Co. are no strangers to the process of transforming old buildings into exciting new spaces but their latest project will define the heart of Auckland for generations to come. Love & Co. are transforming the old Civic Administration Building (The CAB) into 17 levels […]
Wheels
Bond – Elements
Jaguar Land Rover has a new mission with James Bond – a three-year partnership at the state-of-the-art interactive experience, 007 ELEMENTS in Sölden, Austria. 007 ELEMENTS offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the iconic secret agent in a new mountain-top location next to the ice Q restaurant used as the […]
A Jeepster For Your Love
Back in the early 70’s, the hair was big, the shoes were platformed and the trousers were bell-bottomed wider than Cheshire Cat’s Smile. It was a flamboyant and expressive time where collars were long and the attention span wasn’t. Popular music was Disco and more importantly Glam Rock, with one of the Glamest being Marc […]
A Pearl In Two Shells
(Well, ok, three if you add the Cabriolet) Apparently, there are saloon people and there are those that have a penchant for the styling of a coupe. Mercedes-Benz New Zealand figured they’d let me decide what my preference was by lending me two E400 models, back to back. As you are probably already well aware, the […]
Honda Civic Type-R – True XTC
It has be said (rather cruelly), that the best thing to come out of Swindon is the M4 (motorway). However, as I in fact hail from said city, (or is that sad city? … I jest), this should be proof enough that this is not true. On top of this, we have the ‘Magic Roundabout’ […]
Health
Comvita Propolis Spray
Propolis has well-known antioxidant properties to maintain a healthy immune system. Comvita® Propolis Oral Spray Extra Strength 20ml contains a special blend of high-quality Propolis and UMF® 10+ Manuka Honey and essential oils formulated for oral health and hygiene – a perfect travel companion. Comvita® Propolis Oral Spray Extra Strength 20ml, $35, www.comvita.co.nz
Healing without Scars
Be it from when you tripped and fell as a kid, an accidental burn, or if you got your appendix removed, scars can be rather unpleasant and unsightly. And while scars can’t be completely removed at present, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Dermatology have found a way to make fresh wounds heal […]
Health News – November 2017
In light of it being Movember, be sure to get a check-up from your doctor, to get that all-clear. ‘Grow a Mo, save a bro’ Movember is this month, lads. So go grow yourself a mo. Call some mates together, go for a run, get the word out and raise some money for men’s health. […]
Balls, Birdies & Bunkers
As the great English author and humorist, PG Wodehouse once stated: “To find a true man’s character, play golf with him.” Originating in Scotland in the 15th century, golf has become a serious pastime (or profession) for many. It is a game where players use a club and score shots depending on how close they […]
Entertainment
The Sky is the Limit
After the recent Release of their hit singles ‘Run’ and ‘the sky is a neighbourhood’, We had a chance to sit down and talk with the Foo Fighters lead guitarist, Chris Shiflett, about the new album concrete and gold. From the challenges of balacing his family life, to the highlights of his career, we give […]
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
TELL NO LIES Gregg Hurwitz The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his sweetheart and becomes a psychologist who works with ex-prisoners to rehabilitate them. Mother does not approve. It’s a murder mystery with twists and turns and […]
Books, Movies, Review July 2017
Murder Games James Patterson & Howard Roughan A living testament of the old saying, ‘practice makes perfect’, prolific writer Patterson just keeps getting better. And 300+ million books sales are proof. He just turned 70 years old this year and this book is great! As it says on the back cover: “the pages turn themselves.” […]
Three Movies to See in September 2017
Dunkirk blew people away and was a surprise hit in New Zealand, but now it’s time to look forward to what September has to offer. IT You know that movie still of the clown peaking out from a storm drain at a little kid? This is the reboot of that, cashing in on peoples fear […]
Food
Where Our Chefs Eat: The Ultimate Mans Guide
There’s nothing worse than pining after a dish all day, only to be miserably disappointed when your order doesn’t quite live up to the expectations. With a dizzying array of options dotted around the city, it’s hard to know where to even begin. To avoid a serious case of food disappointment, we spoke to some […]
Recipe: Butter Infused With All Natural Ingredients
When it comes to summer food there is one thing many of us look forward to all year – BBQs. Perfectly cooked steak, fresh prawns and locally caught fish with summer salads and perla potatoes. It’s a summer tradition, really! Award-winning chef Owen Sinclair has created a must-have for your next BBQ with Flavour Fiend […]
Destination Du Jour – Luxury With An Alibi
We all love a luxury dining experience, one filled with a chic interior, outstanding aesthetic and a complete sensory experience. Alibi restaurant delivers this and more, as Australia’s first ever 100% fully plant-based restaurant. Australia’s first ever 100 percent fully plant-based restaurant, Alibi, opened this March. Located in the Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo, on the […]
Discover Your New Local – Ben Bayly’s Less Obvious Guide to the Best Restaurants
We live in a golden age of chefs. Between the move towards consumers seeking a more personal and authentic dining experience, Auckland is bubbling over with cooking legends who not only practice world-class gastronomy but also manage to remain authentic with more focus on craft than profit. Ben Bayly, one of the judges on New […]
Wine
Fizz The Season
Often referred to as the elixir of the gods and quite possibly the magic potion from Gaul that often appeared in Asterix comics, Champagne has long been the celebratory drink for all occasions. To a large part, the wine makers use predominantly Pinot Noir grapes mainly from the Champagne region mixed with Chablis from the […]
Beyond The Bottle
They say a fine wine only gets better with age, and with a rich history spanning over the past 168 years, Australia’s Yalumba winery is a testament to that. Take a closer look at the only operating wine cooperage in the southern hemisphere. Nestled away in the Barossa Valley, Yalumba may just be the most historic winery […]
Mills Reef winery launches a new range of wines called Bespoke
One of our favourite wineries and the most awarded boutique winery in new Zealand has just come out with a new range. This new range joins their premium lineup and sits perfectly between their Elspeth and the Reserve ranges that we often recommend in M2. The new line up was born from the desire of […]
The Champagne Campaign: the new Mumm Grand Cordon
Be it sprayed on the podium after an F1 race, raised as a toast at a gathering of colleagues and associates, or popped open for a special occasion, champagne is a prerequisite for any celebration. Hailing from a long line of German barons and knights going back to the 12th century, the Mumm family founded […]
Coach Your Way To Success
The Importance Of Creating Original Content
If content is king, original content is the Holy Grail. In today’s marketplace, your customers are screaming for exciting, engaging and entertaining original content. How important is creating original content? Well take a look at the world of video streaming. There is now an arms race between the likes of Apple, Netflix and Amazon to […]
Five Free Ways to Market Your Business
When starting out in business, you barely have the resources for your own desk, let alone a marketing budget. Fortunately, marketing doesn’t have to take up a large chunk of your capital. You can increase brand presence and drive customer acquisition without spending a cent. It’s not top secret, but many entrepreneurs underestimate the importance […]
Why Having 4 Holidays a Year Will Make You More Productive
M2 Coach Podcast – Why Having 4 Holidays A Year Will Make You More Productive A year is a long time to stay motivated and productive at work – especially if you’ve only got one holiday at the end to look forward to. A few years back, a good mate introduced me to the ‘four […]
What it takes to live in the entrepreneurial world and survive there
I’ve heard it said that just 8% of the population have a truly entrepreneurial mind; we see the world differently to the so-called “normal” people. My good friend and business partner, Tony Falkenstein, says that we see the future, the way things could be. Where other people plot and plan, we go straight to the […]
Luxury Watches
The Race Against Time
When you think of watch makers you might think of far-flung European cities with gingerbread houses and a proliferation of bicycles. Definitely your first thought won’t stray toward our very own City of Sails. But it should, because we have creatives in Auckland who are starting to make waves. One of them is the father-son […]
Ulysse Nardin Picks of 2017
Classic Manufacture “Grand Feu” Emphasis on the perfection of finer details showcases a commitment to precision and meticulousness – everything expected from a true upper tier watch. The Ulysse Nardin Classic Manufacture is exemplary in this field with enamel detailing taking centrestage on the dial. Intensive effort goes into achieving the enameling detailing; Ulysse Nardin […]
M2 Luxury Watch Guide 2017
The phrase ‘time is relative to the observer’ arose from Albert Einstein’s field equations, which were published in 1915. Although he was talking about time as it pertains to general relativity, this extends to us as observers within the human condition. A minute can feel like hours at moments of stress. Conversely, the oft-thrown-around idiom […]
Omega Picks of 2017
Seamaster Planet Ocean Sporting an eye-catching navy blue and burnt orange colourway, “Big Blue” as Omega have nicknamed it, is bold in style, clever in design and grabs attention in a manner vastly different to your standard luxury watches. Omega have springboarded off the success of last year’s Planet Ocean “Deep Black” and have dived deeper […]
Drink
The Ultimate Whisky Night
A few weeks ago we had a another of our whisky nights with a group of lads from the neighborhood. We call it the Renfrew Whisky Appreciation Society but it is simply an enthusiastic bunch from all walks, including lawyers, accountants, bankers and a couple of project managers, all of whom have a common interest […]
New Zealand just got its first saké professional
Our craft beer market has plenty of gurus willing to provide you brews on your journey of beer discovery, but in New Zealand it’s a little tough to find the right person to guide you through your saké experience. Once you get the taste for saké you never go back. Now, Fuminobu (Fumi) Nakatani – […]
Taste Of Summer
Seek out those who embrace the unusual, and you’ll find that Hendrick’s Gin is much loved by a handful of curious individuals all over the world. infused with the remarkable Bulgarian Rosa Damascena and specially selected cucumbers, Hendrick’s Gin has a unique botanical signature that sets it apart from the rest. The master distiller carefully crafts […]
Clink Clink Drink
Whiskey has been a passion of mine for a while now. Way before I started my Instagram, @clinkclinkdrink, I would enjoy a regular dram with my dad. Since then I have embraced the full definition of what whiskey can be – Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, even New Zealand and Japanese. Whiskey is great neat, but […]
Authors
The Author To Know: David Lagercrantz
Best-selling author of I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 11 other well-known titles, Lagercrantz is a man who wears numerous hats. One moment he is a journalist, the next he is a biographer, the next a ghost-writer, then a novelist. A man of sheer talent and verve. Born in Solna in 1962 to Olof Lagercrantz (a […]
NELSON DEMILLE
America’s Greatest Living Thriller Writer (as titled on the front cover of his latest novel, The Cuban Affair), Nelson Demille writes his books with a pencil and paper from his home in Long Island, New York. It’s a process that works for him. The Cuban Affair (his 20th novel) has hit-the-ground-running by heading straight to […]
Stephen King – Author Credit
The infamous 1986 horror novel IT will be seen in a different light the movie hits the big screens this September. We hear from the man, Stephen King himself, about what he thinks of the upcoming iteration. When you watch a film based on one of your books, like IT, do you find yourself thinking […]
Clive Cussler – The Underwater Adventurer
Best-selling author of up to 70 books (and counting), Clive Cussler is a writer with an insanely vivid imagination. Swashbuckling adventures, megalomaniac villains, the electricity of espionage, the excitement of discovering sunken ships…intrigue, action, a snippet of humour – there’s something for every reader in Cussler’s writing. The author of The Mediterranean Caper (1973), Sahara […]
Book Reviews
Books: Must Reads For May
The Rising Sea By Clive Cussler Cussler has a number of franchises, this time its the latest from the Numa Files, starring Kurt Austin. A new marine based action thriller, starting off in 1573 to set the scene, then back to theimplications today with our heros and the bad guys. I always look forward to […]
Book reviews – March 2018
By Tim Lawrence I haven’t read the first two Orphan X novels, but I did read and review another Hurwitz novel last year, Tell No Lies, where I said: “ The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his […]
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
TELL NO LIES Gregg Hurwitz The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his sweetheart and becomes a psychologist who works with ex-prisoners to rehabilitate them. Mother does not approve. It’s a murder mystery with twists and turns and […]
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
Three Days And A Life Pierre Lemaitre Reading this book for me was like watching a great arthouse film. Lemaitre, who Stephen King says is “a really excellent suspense novelist”, had me gripped from the opening pages. I really felt for our lead character and wondered what was he going to do. How do you […]
M2 April 2018 issue
Books: Must Reads For April
Gallery Of The Dead Chris Carter Robert Hunter, the insomniac genius detective, is back with a novel that fulfills the cover’s proclamation that it is ‘as addictive as a box-set’. I agree, I was bingeing this book at every opportunity. Excellent characters and plot. The Caller Chris Carter Don’t be put off by the tacky […]
Light Phone 2 – Back To Basics
Do you exhibit the following symptoms: frequent phone checking? Notification withdrawals? Extended timeline scrolling? Excessive in-app purchases? Sore thumb joints? If you answered yes to one or more of the above, then perhaps you have a phone addiction. Without being facetious, the smartphone has undoubtedly revolutionised and streamlined our day-to-day processes. Internet banking, booking movie […]
The Importance Of Creating Original Content
If content is king, original content is the Holy Grail. In today’s marketplace, your customers are screaming for exciting, engaging and entertaining original content. How important is creating original content? Well take a look at the world of video streaming. There is now an arms race between the likes of Apple, Netflix and Amazon to […]
The Tech Giant: Bringing The Forest To Amazon
Kindle, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Prime, Amazon Go, Alexa… Amazon is ever the innovator, and that’s not even considering the behemoth that is its online shopping platform. And, with CEO Jeff Bezos firmly set as the richest person on the planet, with a net worth of US$120.5 billion, Amazon has decided to celebrate its success […]
M2 MARCH 2018 issue
Book reviews – March 2018
By Tim Lawrence I haven’t read the first two Orphan X novels, but I did read and review another Hurwitz novel last year, Tell No Lies, where I said: “ The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his […]
Health News
Fall into autumn this March as we change seasons – get the best, to perform at your peak. New Balance New Balance will release its latest shoe onto the market this month. The annual Grey Day is merging the sophisticated with the sportiest footwear. Made with a breathable suede and a well-made lightwear, the 574 […]
Man on the Street – Jaheb Barnett
Age: 31 Occupation: Advertising Mad Man by day and men’s fashion blogger somewhere in-between What’s your morning routine? Typically it starts with a shock when the alarm goes off at 6am, then me jumping into my exercise kit and hitting F45 training for a workout. This is followed up with a coffee to kick-start the […]
Joseph Parker – Fighting Spirit
It’s known as “The Sweet Science”. Where mere millimeters mean the difference between slipping a punch or waking up gazing at the bright lights of a stadium ceiling. Where the right amount of torque and placement decides whether or not a punch becomes a knockout blow. Where timing is the difference between a successful counter punch […]
M2 FEBRUARY 2018 issue
Impact From Simplicity
In a world of exponential innovation, disruptive technologies and giddy cryptocurrency speculation a discussion about another KiwiSaver fund might seem a little vanilla. But after a few minutes with Simplicity founder, Sam Stubbs even the most finically unfocused would be hard pressed not to find excitement in compounded interest from saved fees, the growth of […]
What Can CES 2018 Tell Us About The Future
Each year almost 200,000 journalists, investors and fans flood into Vegas, but not for slot machines or wacky bachelor parties; they’re there to see the latest in consumer technology at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Blockchain More than 4000 companies are spread across 2.5 million net square feet of exhibition space, across 11 official venues. […]
Jamie Dornan – The Colour In The Grey
“His eyes are intense, probing, demanding even. I stretch out beside him, feeling loose-limbed, my bones like jelly, but I’m relaxed, deeply relaxed.” – E. L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey. As I write this piece, I’m trying my absolute best to not cry of laughter in the office. Never in my wildest dreams would […]
A Second Life
Check me out. I stand on the threshold of my ‘second life’. I am grateful to science for this moment. Human minds – activated by ingenuity and curiosity, theories and experiments, and research and development, all working across different disciplines – have collaborated to produce what I see spread out before me: a whole new […]
M2 JANUARY 2018 issue
Destination Du Jour – Plazzo Versace Dubai
Dubai, as we all know, is located in the United Arab Emirates and is renowned for luxury, wealth and total opulence – the perfect location to home one of the fashion industry’s most iconic brand’s hotel: Versace. Iconic and ultra-modern architecture fills the skyline of this bodacious city, as it continues to expand and increase […]
Why Most Will Never Become Truly Successful
“It’s lonely at the top. 99% of people are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for mediocre. The level of competition is thus fiercest for ‘realistic’ goals, paradoxically making them the most competitive.” – Tim Ferriss The pull towards mediocrity is too strong. As David Schwartz once penned, “All around […]
Man On The Street – Mike Quartly
Age: 39 Occupation: Busness Owner SuitSource What’s your morning routine? I’m up by 6am, and straight to the kitchen for my ‘kickstarter’ coffee, then shower, get dressed and into the office for my second coffee around 7am – now I’m ready for the day. What are the top three things on your bucket list? Spend a […]
The Importance Of Being Agile
This year has been a turbulent one for New Zealand. Not just for businesses, but for people in general, with the roller-coaster of the election which fuelled uncertainty and one of the wettest winters. In real estate, uncertainty and weather always has an impact (visitors to open homes drop significantly when there’s wet and/or windy […]
M2 DECEMBER 2017 issue - Man of the Year issue
Under The Tree
Wit, style and fun are always appreciated when unwrapping any gift. With these original and imaginative design pieces, the enjoyment and good times are made to last. Showtime vases Jaime Hayon, a designer at the forefront of recent Spanish design, has created Showtime Vases combining the traditions and quality of Spanish ceramics with an edgy […]
The Drink For Celebration
Champagne has long been the celebratory drink for all occasions. To be called Champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region and, to a large extent, winemakers use predominantly Pinot Noir (black) grapes mixed with Chablis (Chardonnay). Here is a selection some of our favourite bubbles for the festive season, including one of our […]
This Library Was Built To Look Like A Human Eye
If there’s one thing China can do it’s massive stuff quickly. The Tianjin Binhai Library on the coast of the Yellow Sea is no exception. Designed with the help of Netherlands-based architecture and urban design practice, MVRDV, the Tianjin Binhai Library is 33,700m2 with enough space for 1.2 million books. Incredibly, it was built in under three years due […]
How To Choose A Real Estate Agent
Selling your home is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Once you’ve made the decision to sell, one of the first steps to ensuring you get the best price for your home is engaging a real estate agent that knows your area and the type of house you are selling. […]
M2 NOVEMBER 2017 issue
Science Not Fiction
Like it or not, you guys all know the importance of looking after your skin. Yes, that means washing your mug and using those ‘creams and stuff’ that your partner uses – she will love you for it! Cleanse But with so many products out there claiming to do different things, it can become a […]
Best Things Ever Said – November 2017
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit. Conrad Hilton Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. Marcus Aurelius Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say […]
Defining Moments
Ermenegildo Zegna has recently unveiled the second chapter in its Defining Moments campaign, again starring Robert De Niro and welcoming French choreographer and dancer Benjamin Millepied. The collection, as always, embodies everything the Italian luxury fashion house is about. With the US Autumn-Winter 2017 collection reflecting strong emotion and a community-centric voice, we’re treated to a […]
4 Ways to be a Job-Hunting Warrior
If you are looking at changing jobs or even finding a job to start with, the process can be soul destroying. It may very well come down to how many jobs you apply for – after all, a great job is hardly likely to fall into your lap – but what happens if you’re seriously […]
M2 OCTOBER 2017 issue
Hayden Paddon, Gravel Guru
A generation after the world-beating deeds of the late Possum Bourne, rally star Hayden Paddon has once again put Kiwi drivers on the map. The Hyundai driver has become a fixture on the world’s loose roads for the past four years and has been supremely competitive when all the stars align. In such a condensed […]
Health News – October 2017
Get into the best gear, and get your body ready for from the inside to make the most of your workout. NEW BALANCE If you are that way inclined, then you can understand the struggle of finding a performance shoe that looks just as good as it performs. The New Balance 574 Sport is a […]
Bollinger: The Nectar of the Gods
Champagne has never been just a wine. It has long been recognised as something special, and until recent times, something that has only been enjoyed by nobility. Often referred to as, “the Nectar of the Gods”. hampagne can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region – an area that rarely sees […]
The ‘Holy’ Trinity
We get amongst the vines and learn what goes into making Trinity Hill wines Winemaking Wizardry Looking for a new wine to try out? Look no further. We headed down to the Hawke's Bay and caught up with Trinity Hill Wines Chief Winemaker Warren Gibson for a taste test of five of the best wines […]
M2 SEPTEMBER 2017 issue
Skoda Octavia RS – Space Race
Way back in 1955 two global superpowers, namely the US and Russia (USSR as it was back then), began a competitive fight to rule space. It started out with the US declaring it was ‘soon’ to launch a satellite into space, but the statement was received as a gauntlet and had the Soviet Union responding […]
Health News, September 2017
CHOCOLATE Scientifically proven to be healthy A meta-analysis from Brown University has found a host of health effects from eating chocolate that stop the onset of scary words like “dyslipidemia”, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation which are apparently all major subclinical risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. If you can say that sentence off the top […]
Style News – September 2017
ARMANI CODE While the original Armani Code, with its all-black bottle and dark-hued ad campaigns, scream mystery, the new Armani Code Colonia bring a fresh look that is sleek and elegant. The campaign, fronted by Chris Pine, combines a masculine allure with a modern elegance. “I believe that a man is elegant when he is […]
11 Most Dangerous Sports
Here are some of the more dangerous activities you could attempt if 1 – you are crazy seriously crazy, 2 – you like to live (or die) on the edge, 3 – you still have insurance cover for your particular dangerous sport and 4 – you believe what you are doing will cure the hiccups. […]
M2 AUGUST 2017 issue
Three Types of Texas
Weightlessness, emptiness and feeling so miniscule compared to the giant world that I stare back at, there is a thick silence and all I can hear is my own breath and the mechanical sounds created from my spacesuit… “The Eagle has landed” … goose bumps cover my body from head to toe and my daydreaming thoughts […]
Man on the Street – Mathew Thomson
Age: 42 Occupation: Founder & head distiller Thomson Whisky What do you have for breakfast? Free range poached eggs on Vernerdi Six Seed toast & plunger coffee – we have a coffee machine but I prefer plunger What is your morning routine? Get up, have breakfast then go and make whisky What’s your dream car? DS […]
Fashion Trend – Winter Gettin’ you Down?
You either love ’em or hate ’em, but puffer jackets have been finding their way into the more ‘accepted’ side of the fashion scene lately. But when it comes to the fact that, yes, it is cold outside, you will find there are, in fact, some pretty cool options out there. Is your finger on […]
Man on the Street – Jack Ramsay
AGE: 19 Founder of Hunters Race What do you have for breakfast? I go with the classic peanut butter on Vogels, and a coffee as well. What is your morning routine? On the usual day I wake up at six. Shower, match my watch with my outfit for the day. Then have breakfast and jump […]
M2 JULY 2017 issue
Editors Letter For July 2017
It’s not the most masculine way to start of the editor’s letter of a men’s magazine but the other day I watched Bambi. I was watching it with my 2-year-old daughter so I have an excuse… honestly. Apart from the whole orphaned baby deer thing I was really taken with the technical execution of the […]
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go […]
400 Years of Barbados in 48 Hours
Generally, when you travel halfway around the world to go somewhere, you will spend more than 48 hours there, but Barbados is one of those places that is so condensed and rich with culture and heritage that even after a couple of days there you will have a part of it in your blood. Along […]
Man on the Street – Will Wood
Age: 35 Occupation: Comedian, producer, and account manager. What do you have for breakfast? Smashed avocado. It’s pretty indie, but it’s pretty good. What is your morning routine? Get up, hit the shower, call the Uber, done. What is your dream car? Porsche 959. What is the top spot on your bucket list? I’d like […]
M2 JUNE 2017 issue
The Single Malt Whisky Night
Recently a few of us lads in the neighborhood got together and established the Renfrew Whisky Appreciation Society. While it sounds incredibly sophisticated, it’s not. It is a bunch of blokes looking for a good excuse to imbibe good whisky. The concept is simple, it always revolves around Single Malt whisky and entry is by […]
5 Tech Trends That Will Disrupt Kiwi Marketing
M2 Coach Podcast – 5 Tech Trends That Will Disrupt Kiwi Marketing Let’s face it, there aren’t many aspects of our lives that technology hasn’t touched. This month, I caught up with some of my friends in the marketing world for their take on the top technology trends that are set to disrupt Kiwi marketing. […]
The Art of Great Taste
Australia’s oldest family-owned winery has put its years of experience and wine pioneering expertise to good use with the exceptional and rare new wine, the 2012 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz. Under a moonlit sky, 168 years ago, Yalumba winemakers planted their first vines. Now, as the only Australian winery to have its own […]
One year on… GT Membership
“If you’re a golfer you join a golf club – we don’t like golf”… It was such a succinct analogy, summing up the Hampton Downs GT membership so perfectly that it could have come from the racetrack owner Tony Quinn himself (without the Scottish brogue or the hint of expletives of course). As the membership […]
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